From the deep reds of desert sand in Broken Hill, to the beautifully blue waters of Hyams Beach, you’ll find every colour of the rainbow in New South Wales.
1. Legendary landmarks: No harbour is more famous than Sydney’s. Walk (or climb) the Harbour Bridge or make your way to one of the many lookouts for stunning views across the harbour.
2. The Snowy Mountains: Ski the slopes of Perisher or Thredbo in winter or wait for the warmer months to scale Australia’s tallest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.
3. Brilliant beaches: From Bondi to Byron Bay, the NSW coastline is dotted with patches of paradise. Jervis Bay is home to some of the whitest sands in the country, while the Bondi to Coogee walk covers the best of Sydney’s east.
Jervis Bay. Mark Fitzpatrick; Destination NSW
4. Scenic drives: Drive a lap on Australia’s most famous racing track at Mount Panorama or take a road trip south on the Grand Pacific Drive.
5. The Blue Mountains: Take a selfie with the Three Sisters, ride the world’s steepest passenger railway or go on a walkabout adventure to learn about the local Darug language group. Give yourself the time to take it all in with a stay at Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains - MGallery by Sofitel.
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains - MGallery by Sofitel
6. The bigger, the better: Not content with the Big Banana (Coffs Harbour), NSW is also home to the Big Merino (Goulburn), the Big Oyster (Taree) and the Big Prawn (Ballina).
7. Foodie’s haven: From Indian to Italian, Modern Australian to Malaysian, there’s a plate for every discerning diner in Sydney’s CBD. Start with coffee and brunch at a speciality coffee cafe, before eating your way through the city’s offerings.
8. Superb Kiama: Visit the Kiama blowhole, learn to surf at Gerroa, do a wine tasting in Gerringong or explore the rainforests of Minnamurra.
9. Desert culture: The unofficial capital of NSW Outback, Broken Hill is home to Living Desert Sculptures, the annual Broken Heel Festival and Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre.
10. Remarkable rainforests: Explore the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest at the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest, with walking trails starting in Barrington Tops, Armidale, Glen Innes and Dorrigo.
Dorrigo National Park. Destination NSW
11. History re-told: Venture out of the city to find niche historical collections – the Bradman Museum in Bowral is a must-visit for any cricket fans, while the Henry Parkes Centre features a unique collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia.
12. Island escapes: Ride your way around the untouched Lord Howe Island, glamp in the middle of Sydney Harbour on Cockatoo Island or discover Aboriginal rock art on Dangar Island.
Lord Howe Island tom-archer.com
13. Cruise the rivers: Cruise the Murray River on the world’s only wood-fired cruising paddle steamer or join the daily post run on the Hawkesbury River
14. Living histories: Witness the connection the Gumbaynggirr people have to water through a stand-up paddle board tour or learn the art of traditional tool-making in Wagga Wagga.
15. Glittering gems: Search for precious stones at White Cliffs, home to Australia’s oldest commercial opal field. Fun fact: desert conditions here mean most residents live underground.
16. Boutique breweries: Try local beer made with foraged bacteria and wild yeast at Sydney’s Wildflower Brewery; opt for preservative-free, unpasteurised craft ales at Six String Brewing Co. in Erina, or taste limited release beers at Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay.
17. Wonderful wine: Admire the Hunter Valley from above in a hot air balloon while sipping on riesling or try cool-climate classics in Orange and Mudgee.
Hunter Valley. Destination NSW
18. Beautiful Byron: Surf, hike, eat, drink and explore stylish Byron Bay. Sign up for surfing lessons with Lets Go Surfing Byron Bay or kayak and see dolphins with Go See Kayak Byron Bay.
19. Starry nights: Just outside of Broken Hill you’ll find the breathaking stargazing experience, Outback Astronomy. While the first fully steerable large antenna in the Southern Hemisphere, known as ‘The Dish’, makes for spectacular sky-watching.
20. Sensational seafood: Enjoy fresh prawns in Yamba, pop into Jim Wild’s Oysters near Nowra, or venture further south to the Sapphire Coast to sample blacklip abalone and Eastern Rock lobster.
21. Chasing waterfalls: Marvel at the 81m Fitzroy Falls in the rugged Southern Highlands, or take a drive along Waterfall Way, stopping off at Ebor Falls, Dangar Falls and Wollomombi Falls.
Dangar Falls. Destination NSW
22. Hidden underground: Walk through a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms at Jenolan Caves, one of the best cave systems in the world.
23. Wildlife galore: Support the work of the Koala Hospital at Port Macquarie with a self-guided tour, or swim with wild dolphins at Port Stephens. Base yourself at the luxurious Anchorage Port Stephens to enjoy a signature sparkling wine breakfast before your adventures.
Anchorage Port Stephens
24. Capertee Valley: Admire the second-widest canyon in the world at Capertee Valley, where keen walkers will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
25. Delicious dishes: Independent restaurants celebrate the best in local produce – find the best at Fleet in Brunswick Heads, Pipit in Pottsville or Bannisters in Mollymook.
While regional NSW will welcome visitors with open arms from 1 June 2020, travellers must maintain physical distancing and good hygiene. Travellers from interstate will be able to visit NSW for a holiday but will need to comply with the rules of their home state when returning.Before embarking on a trip, travellers should call their planned accommodation venues,attractions and tourism operators to ensure they will be open and confirm bookings before travelling. Go to visitnsw.com for the latest travel advice.
Travel guides to explore NSW
NSW Ultimate Coastal Road Trip: Batemans Bay to Kingscliff
Luxury Escapes Guide to Sydney CBD
NSW
Luxury Escapes Guide to the Blue Mountains
NSW
Luxury Escapes Guide to Bondi
NSW
Luxury Escapes Guide to the Hunter Valley
NSW
